1. Can you tell us how C. Chauchat got started?
Both of us have long been obsessed with the construction, fabric and fit of clothes, in particular menswear and vintage designer pieces. Originally, Curie had made the neckties as a gift for her brother. When Beverly saw them, she thought that men of taste would appreciate them, so we began to talk about creative ideas we had for building a world based on what we admired most in the men we knew and what we thought looked good on them, and C. Chauchat was born from those conversations. 

2. Can you bring us through the design process from beginning until completion?
 Curie selects specific fabrics she finds interesting from a handfeel, color or pattern perspective. She creates layered compositions to achieve a particular effect, and we refine things from there. Our process varies based on the qualities of the fabric we are using, but it’s essential that we cut the tie length pieces precisely parallel to the diagonal grain of the fabric or the tie will not hang symmetrically, and  every tie is finished with a hand-sewn slipstitch.

3. For the current season of ties, what was the overall theme and inspiration?
We were thinking about the beach.  More specifically, an ill-placed man who is driven to the beach to contemplate. Our collaged ties begin with beachy batik patterns, with neon or black-and-white optically contrasting chiffon pieces collaged on top. These are covered up by a final black sheer layer, which tones down the madness. It’s like the challenge of staring into the sun while being protected by sunglasses. 

4. If you had to pick, which ties have been your favorite to date and why?
 The collaged ties for sure. We get to use unlikely fabrics such as chiffon and tulle. They’re a marvel of construction.

C. Chauchat is currently sold through Strasburgo in Tokyo and Osaka, Creatures of Comfort, Assembly New York and La Garconne. 

(post by Glenn Tuma)